How Long Will My DAC Be Impactful? A Year, Two Years?
Topic 33524 | Page 1
Chase, here's a former discussion we had on this subject...
How Long Does Information Stay On My DAC?
There's no good news for you. That does not mean you can't get hired somewhere. What you need to do is apply everywhere you can. Once you get a chance, make it count. Don't hit anything and stick with it for one full year or more.
Opportunities don't always just open up before us. Most of the time we make our own opportunities or build our own barriers. You are going to have to figure out how to redeem this situation and make something happen. You won't make any progress by sitting around waiting.
DAC:
Drive-A-Check Report
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.
"There's no good news for you. That does not mean you can't get hired."
Ok well shoot. Anyway, thank you for that information. It's a big help and I want to get out there asap.
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Like OS said apply everywhere. Be honest and own your mistakes. Also when someone asks about the incidents be prepared to tell them what you learned from the mistakes.
I will tell you right now your statement “they were no big deal only some dents” will slam the door on you.
That attitude will reflect poorly to an employer. It tells me you didn’t learn from the mistake and would worry me what could be next. You have no idea prpbably what it costs on trucks and trailers to repair things.
Anytime you damage equipment in any manner it is a big deal. You have to convince an employer to take a chance on you and you will exercise good judgement and take care of their expensive equipment.
Something else to keep in mind... many companies will require a refresher course if you have not been for more than 6 months.
And be sure to keep that DOT physical card up to date or you will have to go through complete training and exam again in many states.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
So I drove as a rookie for 8 months before my fiancé got pregnant with our second and I quit. During that time I had two small accidents, both resulting in small dents. Nothing major, both in parking lots. However they were both within 4 months of each other. They are not on my driving record but of course they are on my DAC. I know this because when I went to apply to another company last year they said "we would love to have you but those two accidents are no go for us." So I haven't been driving since last year and I am itching to get back out there. Should I wait another year, two years? Thanks guys, anything is helpful.
DAC:
Drive-A-Check Report
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.